It’s like a field trip without the school. You can have all the fun of going on adventures, seeing friends, and making new ones without the stress of grades. You could even learn something new at the Lee Maxwell Washing Machine Museum in Eaton or during the Denver mob tour without having to worry about a pop quiz. The City of Westminster is proud to offer adult day trips as part of recreation programming. These trips are open to adults of all ages whether or not they live in Westminster, and they allow you the chance to explore Colorado without the hassle of planning the trip and making the drive yourself.

The most popular day trips tend to be boat tours or anything in the mountains or Estes Park. Over the summer, a packed Westminster activity bus headed to the Flying W Ranch in Colorado Springs for an old-timey chuckwagon supper and original western stage show. It featured archery, axe throwing, a barbeque dinner, music, and more.

Some people came in pairs, some came alone, but they all met up at Westminster’s Public Safety Center to board the bus and travel together. At the end of the trip, participants said they left feeling like they shared something special with a group of people they could now consider friends. That includes Jim B. and Cheryl L., a brother/sister duo who have been attending day trips through the City for 20 years. "It’s a great way to see all different sorts of things across the state that you didn’t even know existed,” Cheryl L. said.

If you would prefer to stay closer to Westminster then matinees at Denver’s Buell Theater could be the trip for you.

"The bus takes you right up front and drops you off so you don't have to worry about parking," said Karen S., a Westminster resident who booked a trip to see "Company". This fall, there are day trips to three performances of "Hamilton", which is notoriously hard to get tickets for, unless you go with the Westminster adult day trip group, that is!

If you are attending a show, a Rockies game, or maybe even a brewery tour, you can feel safe having a drink without worrying about finding a designated driver.

“That’s a big part of the draw,” said Jennifer Jensen, a recreation specialist with the City’s Parks, Recreation & Libraries Department (PRL). “We’ll do wine tastings, and we’re even looking into adding a moonshine distillery tour. If you have a few drinks, you don’t have to drive home — our bus will take you back to Westminster,” Jensen said with a smile. If you’re still too tipsy, getting an Uber to your home from Westminster is “cheaper than getting one from Oskar Blues in Longmont,” Jensen joked.

The trips are designed for adults of all ages and happen during both the week and the weekend to accommodate different schedules. If you are nervous to go alone, Jensen says it’s worth giving it a try.

“This is a great opportunity for people to do something in a safe, controlled environment,” Jensen said. “If you don't like people, you don't have to socialize. You don't have to interact with the group. You are an adult and can do your own thing on the trips, just make sure you’re back at the bus on time,” Jensen said.

If being social is your goal, then attending an adult trip is a great way to do it. “You can meet people from all walks of life,” Jensen said. That is her favorite aspect of the trips. “You might even make new friends. You might meet a significant other or find something new you like to do.”

It’s also a good way to not feel so alone. “If you want to try something, like going to the theater, but your spouse doesn’t, then you can go with a group of people. It makes it a little less lonely.”

Trips cost anywhere from $16-$200. Keep an eye on the City’s Activity Guide for future trips. PRL is planning a tour of Elitch Gardens, a visit to a beekeeping ranch, a trip to the Georgetown Christmas market, and more. You can find additional details and register for trips online at bit.ly/WestyDayTrips.